We often get asked advice about Hajj and Umrah,
and as a result of this, we have compiled the following handy tips to help you
make the most out of your trip:

1.Pack two sets of Ihram clothes so that if one gets dirty or starts to smell, you can change it.

2.Depending on the season, take warm clothes, as
the nights often get cold.

3.Take some basic medication such as
paracetamol, plasters for blisters on the feet and diarrhoea medication.

4.Take an umbrella to shade yourself from the
sun, and sunglasses.

5.Pack a light prayer matt as the floor in the
Haram is marble and may be uncomfortable to pray on; also, if you suffer with
your feet, take padded socks or slippers so that you don’t feel pain from the
hard floor.

6.Take a light weight cotton or plastic bag to
put your shoes in so they don’t let lost amongst everyone else’s.

7.Photocopy
your official documents, including your passport, and leave one behind and take
one with you in case you lose your originals.

8.Educate yourself
about Hajj and Umrah before you go and familiarise yourself with a plan so you
know where you are going and what to do. Read a good book on Hajj, such as Getting
the Best Out Of Hajj by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids, which explains every step
of the Hajj.

9.Memorise duas that are important to
you before you go and make a list of what you want to make dua for at crucial
times such as at Arafat or on Safa and Marwa.

10.Wear comfortable, durable sandals or
shoes as you will be doing a LOT of walking, and take Vaseline to stop your
upper thighs from getting sore from rubbing due to the walking.

11.Women: take a pair of scissors so
that it is easy to cut your hair at the end of Hajj or Umrah.

12.If a lot of people are forming rows
for prayer outside the mosque, still check inside as there is usually still
space inside (some people just like to pray outside so that it’s easier to leave).

13.Do not push or be concerned about
reaching the Zamzam after Tawaf- there are Zamzam reserves everywhere so look
for another one.

14.If you are in a group, arrange a
common meeting place for in case anyone gets lost.

15.Pick up extra stones for stoning the Jamarat, as someone is likely to
have forgotten or dropped theirs and you will get extra reward for helping
them.